Learn Hardcore Spanish (Latin America): La foto es bonita.

In Spanish every noun has a gender. The noun foto is short for fotografía, which is feminine. That’s why the feminine definite article la is used instead of the masculine el.

What does the word “foto” mean, and why is it feminine?

Foto means photo (short for fotografía or photograph). The word fotografía is feminine in Spanish, so its abbreviated form foto also remains feminine, which is why it takes feminine articles and adjectives.

What role does the verb “es” play in this sentence?

The verb es is the third person singular form of the verb ser, which means “to be.” In this context, it links the subject la foto with the adjective bonita, describing an inherent characteristic of the photo.

Why does the adjective “bonita” end in –a?

In Spanish adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Since foto is a feminine noun, the adjective takes its feminine form bonita instead of bonito.

Could the adjective come before the noun, as in “la bonita foto”?

Yes, you can say la bonita foto. When adjectives come before the noun, it often adds a slight nuance or emphasis, but in many cases both orders are grammatically correct. The sentence la foto es bonita is a straightforward way to state that the photo is pretty.

Why is the verb “ser” used instead of “estar” in this sentence?

Spanish uses ser to describe inherent or permanent qualities. Since bonita describes the photo’s general appearance in a way that isn’t seen as temporary, ser is the correct verb choice. Estar would be used for temporary conditions or states.

What is the literal translation of “La foto es bonita”?

The literal translation is “The photo is pretty.” The sentence straightforwardly describes the photo using the definite article, a linking verb, and an adjective that agrees with the noun in gender.